George W. Morell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Webb Morell
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George W. Morell
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| Born | January 8, 1815 Cooperstown, New York |
| Died | February 11, 1883 (aged 68) Scarborough, New York |
| Place of burial |
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Scarborough, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1835–1837, 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Major General (temporary) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Webb Morell was an important figure in American history. Born in 1815, he had many different jobs, including civil engineer, lawyer, and farmer. He is best known for being a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Morell's Early Life and Career
George Webb Morell was born in Cooperstown, New York. His father, also named George Morell, was a judge. He was even the chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
Morell was a very smart student. In 1835, he graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy. This school is often called West Point. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the Army's Corps of Engineers.
However, Morell didn't stay in the Army for long. In 1837, he left to become a civil engineer. He helped build railroads like the Charleston and Cincinnati Railroad. Later, he moved to New York City and became a lawyer. From 1854 to 1861, he worked as a commissioner for a court in New York.
Morell's Role in the Civil War
Before the Civil War began, Morell was already a colonel in the New York Militia. This was a local military group.
When the American Civil War started, Morell joined the Union Army. On August 9, 1861, he became a brigadier general. He led different groups of soldiers, including a division in the Army of the Potomac. This army was the main Union force in the eastern United States.
Morell's division was part of the V Corps. He fought in many battles during the Peninsula Campaign. This was a major Union effort to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.
After the Battle of Antietam, Morell did not see much more fighting. He was given a temporary promotion to major general in 1862. However, this promotion was not made permanent. For most of 1864, he was in charge of a draft depot in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was a place where new soldiers were gathered and trained. He left the volunteer service on December 15, 1864.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, George Webb Morell became a farmer. He lived in Scarborough, New York, where he later passed away in 1883. He is buried there at St. Mary's Episcopal Church.
